About this project

$48,813

628

Wow! Incredible! $40,000! Thank you all for your support,
Kudos and good wishes for Tsuro of the Seas!

We have 3 days left to make this next stretch goal of
$50,000. That’s a tall order, I know… but if we get there I will include the
other 2 promotional tiles; the Tsunami and the Mystic Portal!

The Tsunami tile is a tidal wave that gets stronger on
each round of game play. Only the luckiest of Captains will be able to navigate its
terror! However, any Captain that can conjure up the Mystic Portal may find
themselves in safe waters.

If we hit the $50,000 stretch goal all pledges at the
First Gunner or higher will receive these additional promotional tiles. We’d
love to be playing all the promotional tiles with you at the VIP Tsuro of the
Seas party held on Thursday night during Gen Con at the Rock Bottom Brewery.
See Update #9 for details.

It’s time to call out the troops!

Congratulations! You’ve done it!!! Thanks to you and your
pledges, Tsuro of the Seas will be on a retailer’s shelf in your neighborhood
very soon. Together, this Kickstarter community has exceeded the first stretch
goal of $35,000… what more can I say, than Thank you! As promised, everyone who
backs the project as a Powder Monkey or better will receive the Uzushio! (whirlpool)
promotional game tile. So, what’s next?

According to the survey, you all wanted the Taihou tile
which is a canon for defending your Imperial Red Seal Ship against the
daikaiju. We’ll if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get. If you are pledged
as a 1st Gunner or better when we reach our second stretch goal of
$40,000, not only will you get 1 cannon, you’ll get 5! That’s right. 5 Taihou
tiles to shoot the daikaiju out of the air… or the water as the game may have it
“:^{D>

We’ve been playing these tiles quite a bit and they are a BLAST
to play! Think about it. When was the last time you blew up a daikaiju? I’m
telling you, you’re going to love the additional fun these promotional tiles
add to the game. But, in order to qualify for the set, you must pledge as a 1st
Gunner or better. Just think how good you’re going to look in the Tsuro of the
Seas T-shirt as your blowing up daikaiju!

To help us reach our goal we’ve added 2 rewards. The first addition
is the International Gunner; included in this reward are both Tsuro of the Seas
and Tsuro the game of the path. For those of you who want to attend the VIP
party, but already have Gen Con tickets we’ve added the Lieutenant reward level.
The VIP party is limited to 50 guests; so don’t hesitate… we want to see you
there! Also, you may now purchase additional items contained within your
reward. If you would like a duplicate item, please add the following dollar amounts
to your pledge for:

Tsuro of the Seas lapel pin - $8.00 ea.

Custom daikaiju dice - $3.50 a pair

Tsuro of the Seas T-Shirt - $20.00 ea.

Daikaiju Giclée - $35.00 ea.

Box Art Giclée - $225.00 ea.

Game Board Giclée - $335.00 ea.

VIP ticket - $55.00 ea. (limit 1 additional ticket per guest)

Retailer
Option #2 VIP ticket - $55.00 ea. (limit 2 tickets)

We have 8 days
left to reach our 2nd stretch goal of $40,000. Tell everyone you
know; we can do this! Be sure to check out the FAQ, Update, and Comments tabs
for additional information.

Thank you… and
Game On!

Hooray! We are 200% funded and we have 15 days to go… It sounds like a good time for some stretch goals. But first, I want to thank you all for the tremendous amount of support. Your efforts in spreading the word about Tsuro of the Seas and this Kickstarter campaign continues to build excitement in the world of gaming! There is no doubt, you are a passionate bunch as one can see by the results of the survey.

Currently we have 415 backers… That's incredible! What’s more incredible, is 64% of you replied to the survey… And I'm telling you it was a very close race! But in the end the Uzushio (Whrilpool) won out over the Taihou (Cannon) by 6 votes; that's crazy!

I’m setting our first stretch goal at $35,000. This is a number I think that we can easily make if we all continue spreading the word. I'm also going to add some additional rewards on Saturday to help raise the bar…I really want to see more of you at the VIP Launch Party we are holding at Gen Con. I can't think of a better way to personally thank you for your support. In addition, we’re trying to make it more affordable for our international supporters to get involved. Hopefully we'll be able to make that a reality too.

Let's hit $35,000… And Calliope Games will make sure everybody that pledged as a Powder Monkey or better receives the Uzushio promotional game tile to add to their Tsuro of the Seas fun!

Please refer to the "Updates Tab" for additional information.

Into these dark and dangerous waters, you, the captain of an Imperial Red Seal Ship, are sent to spread the word of the Emperor and, most importantly, to survive what mysteries the seas reveal.

Welcome:

Hello, my name is Ray Wehrs and I would like to welcome you to the very first Calliope Game’s Kickstarter campaign.

I've been in the gaming industry now for well over 10 years! I was originally drafted by sister Dawne and her husband Jordan Weisman to start a company we named WizKids. At Wizkids we redefined the way miniature games were played and released a good number of successful titles. Dawne and I, with Jordan’s support, have now teamed up to bring you Calliope Games.

At Calliope Games, we publish fun, family-style board games.

The very first game we released under the Calliope brand was one we originally introduced back at Wizkids; Tsuro… the game of the path.

Tsuro was designed by an incredible mathematician, Tom McMurchie. It's a very beautiful and elegant playing game that utilizes a unique tile laying system that's very easy to learn but provides for a challenging and strategic game.

The objective is to simply keep your pawn on the board. On your turn you will place a tile in front of your own pawn and then move it to the end of the path. At some point during the game pawns will start to interact with one another. At that time you will try to push your opponent to the outside edge of the board while you proceed to safer territories. The last pawn remaining on the board will win the game.

Tsuro was recently featured on the Geek and Sundry's TableTop featuring Wil Wheaton and has become a staple in many adventure game stores. It has earned numerous awards: Most recently, Game of the Year by Creative Child Magazine.

We love Tsuro so much, that we want to extend its legacy with our new game, Tsuro of the Seas.

In Tsuro of the Seas you will sail the treacherous waters of the Mystic Seas in an engaging game of adventure and suspense! Not only will you compete against each other, you’ll compete against the game board!

The daikaiju tiles have arrows numbered 1-5 on each side plus a rotation arrow in the right hand corner.

On the active players turn he will roll both dice. If the result is a 6, 7, or 8 the daikaiju will move. With all other die rolls the daikaiju remain stationary. When the daikaiju move, the active player will roll a single die that will determine which order and direction the daikaiju move. Should a daikaiju hit another daikaiju, wake tile, or ship then that game component is removed from the board. If it’s a player’s ship that is hit, that player is out of the game.

The last player remaining on the board is the winner!

It's simple... We want Tsuro of the Seas to be successful! The game is currently scheduled for release at Gen Con in August of 2012! Your participation in this Kickstarter campaign will assist us in making that happen.

Your support will also go a long way in helping us secure placement at your local game retailer. Here's how; game retailers are always looking for what's new; however when presented with the opportunity to carry a new product many of them will gracefully decline due to a lack of demand or proven sales history.

Building demand through advertising is very expensive and providing a proven track record on a new games was impossible. Until now… with Kickstarter. When you support this campaign you will be providing the retailer with the sales history he’s demanding for the product. Our ability to get Tsuro of the Seas on the retailer’s shelf will help others acquire the product long after this campaign has ended.

Please make your pledge:

On the right-hand column of this page you will see our pledge offerings. Please choose one that fits your interests . We are doing our best to provide you with fun and unique offerings that you can take pride in as one of our initial supporters. Your pledge is definitely needed, and greatly appreciated! Don't hesitate. Pledge today! With your support, Tsuro of the Seas will quickly be on store shelves so others can share and enjoy the experience with their family and friends too! Once again, thank you for your support.

The Game:

Tsuro of the Seas is simply an AWESOME game! The autographed copies made available as rewards will be signed by both game designers Jordan Weisman and Tom McMurchie.

Ok, so Swag is Swag and we are offering some of the best… Back drops for your computer desk top, lapel pins, custom dice, and even a first class bag to carry your games in. But we wanted to offer you more than just Swag.

To start, how about an experience that will live in your memory for years to come? Table top games are about socializing and we are going socialize! For your gaming pleasure we are throwing a Tsuro of the Seas VIP launch party and this is your chance to get tickets! Your reward will include all the cool swag, a 4 day pass to Gen Con, and access to the VIP Tsuro of the Seas launch party! You’ll get to meet and mingle with the Calliope team, myself and… who knows, maybe a few surprise celebrity guests? (Sorry, you’ll have to provide your own travel arrangements, lodging, and meals at Gen Con.)

Unfortunately, our memories do fade. However, providing you with an heirloom to share with family and friends can help keep them fresh.

Ever since we originally published Tsuro back in 2004, fans have always commented on the quality of the Tsuro art work. They’ve told us how it’s pretty enough to leave out on the recreation room table… and that it was even suitable for framing. What a GREAT idea!

As you can see above, the art created by Dawne Weisman and Ilonka Sauciuc for Tsuro of the Seas is simply beautiful! And now it is suited for framing… especially when produced as gallery quality Limited Edition Giclée Prints!

This is a Kickstarter exclusive! These Limited Edition Giclées will only be made available here. We will only produce 50 to 250 of each print plus the *traditional 10% Artist Proofs and Printers Proofs. Each of these fine art Giclées are produced from the actual production files of Tsuro of the Seas. They will be signed and numbered by both:

Each piece of art will come with a Certificate of Authenticity describing the art, this program, and the edition number. Each Giclée is printed on 290g MOAB Entrada BW Rag paper with UV stable inks. This paper is acid free and will allow these images to become treasured family heirlooms. Each piece of art reflects the actual image size utilized in the game.

Do not miss out on this opportunity! It’s unique, fun, and affordable fine art! And you’ll be helping us get Tsuro of the Seas placed in your local game store… for that we thank you profusely!

All this is really cool… Right? We agree, but wanted to take it one step further with the:

This is the ultimate version of Tsuro of the Seas! Like the art, this offer will be limited to this Kickstarter campaign. This reward includes your entire fleet of Imperial Red Seal Ships to be hand painted by Master Miniatures Painter Chris Hart. Chris has been in the game industry for over 20 years and did paint masters for HeroClix, Mechwarrior, Star Wars, and Wizkids Pathfinder Rise of the Runelords just to name a few.

All 8 of your Imperial Red Seal Ships will be painted, detailed, and embellished personally by Chris. Each ship will have a protective coating for game play and mimic the original ship color. The game board will also be autographed by Chris as well as Tom McMurchie, Jordan Weisman, Dawne Weisman and Ray Wehrs. The Emperors Fleet offering will come with a certificate of authenticity similar to the art.

Emperors Feast – Dinner Party:

If you are so inclined to host a dinner party for your friends in celebration of Tsuro of the Seas, who are we to object? I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to be your guest of honor. I will travel to your location, buy dinner, and play Tsuro of the Seas with you and 8 of your friends for the entire evening!

I sincerely hope you enjoy the uniqueness of our rewards. For an itemized list of each reward package please Click Here to zoom in on the chart below. You may find it helpful in deciding which package is best for you.

About the Retailer Rewards:

Calliope Games strongly believes in, and supports “Brick and Mortar” retailers. In fact, that’s one of the primary purposes of this Kickstarter campaign… establishing a sales record by seeding the market. The retailer rewards offered here are assembled with that in mind; it’s our hope that these rewards are effective and unique tools that will help you draw consumers to your store.

These options are truly reserved for “Brick and Mortar” retailers – physical store verification will be required; you must provide the store name, store address, phone number, EIN number, web-site (Facebook page OK), a store photo and trade reference. If we determine you are not a retailer and you choose this option, we will send you the equivalent consumer package. No refunds will be issued. Result of the “Verification” process by Calliope Games will be final. If you are not a “Brick and Mortar” retailer, do not purchase one of these options.

*The small number of proofs printed may be utilized as promotional items with retailers and at conventions. A few will also find their way into the hands of family and close friends.

The Springboard Seal of Quality is your assurance that a new game project is worth your time and attention. All titles approved for Springboard campaigns are vetted by the game professionals at Game Salute. During this comprehensive evaluation process, Game Salute works on all aspects of ensuring highest quality. This ensures solid designs, thorough playtesting, excellent presentation, and high quality components.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $55 or more
About $55

2nd Gunner: Tsuro of the Seas custom dice will show your pride in the game. These are 16MM dice, 1 - pearl blue and 1 - dark pearl gold, with daikaiju icons on the 6's. Includes a copy of Tsuro of the Seas and the lapel pin too!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $100 or more
About $100

International Gunner: You asked for it and here it is… You’ll receive the 1st Gunner plus Tsuro the game of the path and the shipping rates will remain the same! Now you’ll get both games and all the swag in a single shipper essentially reducing the international shipping cost per game by half!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $125 or more
About $125

Quarter Master: You’ll receive from the Tsuro of the Seas Fine Art Collection a Signed Limited Edition Daikaiju Giclée Print (1 of 5 images), a copy of Tsuro of the Seas, plus all the swag! And… you’ll be listed as a Quarter Master supporter on our website.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $150 or more
About $150

First Mate: You’ll receive two copies of Tsuro of the Seas: 1 standard and 1 autographed by the game designers. You'll also recieve from the Tsuro of the Seas Fine Art Collection a Signed Limited Edition Daikaiju Giclée Print (1 of 5 images) plus all the swag! And… you’ll be listed as a First Mate supporter on our website.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $155 or more
About $155

Retailer Option #1 – includes 6 Tsuro of the Seas board games plus 6 sets of the custom dice as described in the "2nd Gunner"; 1 of the 6 games provided will be autographed by the game designers. This option is reserved for “Brick and Mortar” retailers – physical store verification will be required; you must provide the store name, store address, phone number, EIN number, web-site (Facebook page OK), a store photo and trade reference. If we determine you are not a retailer and you choose this option, we will send you the “First Mate” package. No refunds will be issued. Result of the “Verification” process by Calliope Games will be final.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $170 or more
About $170

Lieutenant: If you already have your Gen Con ticket and you want to attend the Tsuro of the Seas VIP launch party, then this reward is for you! As a VIP guest of Calliope Games, you'll get a personal introduction to the team at the Tsuro of the Seas launch party. You’ll also get 2 copies of Tsuro of the Seas: 1 standard and 1 autographed by the team. Dinner will be provided at the launch party. Details forthcoming. And… you’ll be listed as a Lieutenant supporter on our website.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $250 or more
About $250

Captain: You will be a VIP guest of Calliope Games at the Tsuro of the Seas launch party to be held during "The Best Four Days In Gaming" at Gen Con in Indianapolis this August. You'll get a personal introduction to the team and your pledge will include (1) 4 day pass to Gen Con in addition to everything that's included in the First Mate level. Travel and lodging are not included. Food will only be provided at the launch party. Details forthcoming. And… you’ll be listed as a Captain supporter on our website.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $255 or more
About $255

Retailer Option #2 – Host a Tsuro of the Seas Launch Party! You’ll receive 12 Tsuro of the Seas board games plus 12 sets of the custom dice as described in the "2nd Gunner"; 2 of the 12 games provided will be autographed by the game designers. Calliope Games will provide Pizza and soft drinks for 30 people and Tsuro of the Seas lapel pins for all attendees! If needed, please contact your Calliope Games distributor for additional games and prize support for this event. This option is reserved for “Brick and Mortar” retailers – physical store verification will be required; you must provide the store name, store address, phone number, EIN number, web-site (Facebook page OK), a store photo and trade reference. If we determine you are not a retailer and you choose this option, we will send you the “Captain” package. No refunds will be issued. Result of the “Verification” process by Calliope Games will be final.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $500 or more
About $500

Golden Treasure: You’ll receive the entire Tsuro of the Seas Fine Art Collection of Signed Limited Edition Giclée Prints. The collection will include matching edition numbers of 1 Box Art, 1 full set of 5 Daikaiju, and the Game Board. You’ll also receive the Captain’s Gen Con VIP treatment, 2 copies of Tsuro of the Seas: 1 standard and 1 autographed by the game designers… Not to mention you’ll get all the swag too! And, you’ll be listed as a Gold Treasure supporter on our website.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,500 or more
About $1,500

Emperors Fleet: Your entire fleet will be hand painted by Master Miniatures Painter Chris Hart. Your fleet of 8 Imperial Red Seal Ships will be painted, detailed, and embellished personally by Chris. Each ship will have a protective coating for game play and mimic the original ship color. This set will come with a certificate of authenticity. The game board will also be autographed by Chris as well as Tom McMurchie, Jordan Weisman, Dawne Weisman and Ray Wehrs. Of course, you will also receive the Golden Treasure! This is a Kickstarter exclusive. We will do our best to get these Limited Edition Paint Masters out as close to the release date as possible, but quality will take precedence over time.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $1,505 or more
About $1,505

Retailer Option #3 – Host a Tsuro of the Seas “Emperors Fleet” Launch Party! You’ll receive the entire Emperors Fleet package… However, the art you receive will be the Artist Proofs! Plus we’ll send you 12 Tsuro of the Seas board games and 12 sets of the custom dice as described in the "2nd Gunner"; 2 of the 12 games provided will be autographed by the designers. Calliope Games will provide Pizza and soft drinks for 30 people and Tsuro of the Seas lapel pins for all attendees! If needed, please contact your Calliope Games distributor for additional games and prize support for this event. This option is reserved for “Brick and Mortar” retailers – physical store verification will be required; you must provide the store name, store address, phone number, EIN number, web-site (Facebook page OK), a store photo and trade reference. If we determine you are not a retailer and you choose this option, we will send you the “Emperors Fleet” package. No refunds will be issued. Result of the “Verification” process by Calliope Games will be final.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge $3,500 or more
About $3,500

Emperors Feast: As the Emperor, your humble subject Ray Wehrs will travel to your home for a classic Japanese dinner (take out or delivery) and an evening of Calliope Games with you and 8 other prestigious guests. (Please know that Ray is not a big fan of Japanese food… so if you wanted to blow the theme with Pizza, BBQ, or Chicken he’d be perfectly OK with your decision). Each of your guests will also receive a copy of Tsuro of the Seas and some cool swag too! Of course, as Emperor, you are entitled to the Emperors Fleet including the Golden Treasure, and all the swag. Scheduled dates are subject to Ray's travel schedule.